House of Commons Hansard #344 of the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was leader.
Opposition Motion—Confidence in the governmentBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Michelle Rempel Conservative Calgary Nose Hill, AB
Mr. Speaker, I guess I am having a hard time understanding the moral equivocation. I do not think anybody in this place can argue that the current government is a paragon of ethical standards. The key difference is that the member has voted time and time again, knowing these ethical standards have been brought up, and she has propped it up. That is the problem here.
It is time for an election. Canadians need to have a choice. The government's time is up. We need a reset.
Alleged Violation of Standing Order 116 at Standing Committee on Public AccountsPoints of OrderGovernment Orders
Mississauga—Erin Mills Ontario
Liberal
Iqra Khalid LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue
Mr. Speaker, I am rising on the same point of order that I raised a couple of days ago. The standing order specifically is Standing Order 116. That standing order was put in place with the express purpose of protecting the rights of committee members to participate in debate on motions before those motions are put to a vote. It does not matter if the chair claims he did not see my hand. The point of the matter is that my hand was raised and the onus was on the chair to canvass the room and make sure he was fulfilling his obligation as chair to ensure that debate had actually come to a complete conclusion.
The standing order in question is in place to protect the rights of members to speak to a motion before it is voted on, regardless of whether the chair accidentally or on purpose does not acknowledge the request of the member to speak. It is designed as a fail-safe to protect members. The onus is on the chair of committees to confirm there are no members wanting to participate in the debate before the question is called.
Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to add that to my original point of order.
Alleged Violation of Standing Order 116 at Standing Committee on Public AccountsPoints of OrderGovernment Orders
Conservative
John Nater Conservative Perth—Wellington, ON
Mr. Speaker, on the same point of order, I was in that committee meeting. The chair did indeed pause after the final person had spoken, and he looked around the room. He then called the question, as was his right, because no other member had raised their hand.
After that, it was challenged by the member, but all opposition members, including from the Bloc and the NDP, confirmed the chair's ruling. Therefore, since committees are responsible for their own affairs, the committee itself, a majority from all parties, confirmed the chair did act appropriately. I will claim that I did not see the member raise her hand, nor did anyone else around that table.
Alleged Violation of Standing Order 116 at Standing Committee on Public AccountsPoints of OrderGovernment Orders
Conservative
The Deputy Speaker Conservative Chris d'Entremont
I know the Table is looking at this specifically. Normally, the House does not involve itself in the actions of committees, but I know we are looking at this one closely.
Chandra Arya Liberal Nepean, ON
Mr. Speaker, 39 years back, Air India Flight 182 was blown up mid-air by a bomb planted by Canadian Khalistan extremists. It killed 329 people, and this is the largest mass killing in Canadian history.
Even today, the ideology responsible for this terrorist attack is still alive among a few people in Canada. Two Canadian public inquiries have found Khalistan extremists responsible for the bombing of the Air India flight. Now, there is a petition on the Parliament portal asking for a new inquiry and promoting conspiracy theories promoted by Khalistan extremists.
Mr. Bal Gupta, whose wife Rama was killed in this attack, told The Globe and Mail, “It's deeply frustrating. It opens up old wounds all over again. It's all garbage. It's an attempt to gain publicity and support for terrorist activities.”
Richard Bragdon Conservative Tobique—Mactaquac, NB
Mr. Speaker, recently, my sister and her boyfriend were in a serious motorcycle accident. Both sustained substantial injuries. Our family is so grateful that this did not end in total tragedy.
We are so thankful to those who walk with others through the shadows of adversity: the concerned citizens, like Mark, Nancy, Steve and Wanda, who stayed and comforted them while help was on the way; the paramedics and first responders who treated them at the scene; the doctors and nurses who provided exceptional care during their recovery; the pastors, family and friends who were there with us with words of encouragement, prayers and sometimes much-needed coffee. I say a special thanks to my other sister, Amy, who has been by Julie's side through it all.
There is an ancient writing that perhaps sums it up best when it says, “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me”. I thank all those who walk through the shadows of adversity, pain and despair with all of us. It means so much more than words can ever express. I especially thank the one who promised to be with us through it all and to never leave us or forsake us.
The Speaker Liberal Greg Fergus
I am certain all members extend their prayers and thoughts to the member's family, especially to his sister.
The hon. member for Scarborough Centre.
Salma Zahid Liberal Scarborough Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, over 600 civilians have been killed by Israeli air strikes in Lebanon in recent days. Among them are two Canadians. I send my condolences to the loved ones of all those lost. I represent a large Lebanese Canadian community, and its members are deeply worried for their families and loved ones.
Israeli officials say they are ready for a ground invasion that will kill even more innocent civilians. Civilians are dying in Gaza, in the West Bank and in Lebanon. The violence must end. The Netanyahu government must stop its escalations. Canada's words are not enough. There must be a ceasefire and consequences for Israeli government officials who have expressed support for genocide and violence.
We need a clear and unequivocal two-way arms embargo with no loopholes. As part of a two-state solution, Canada must recognize the Palestinian state now. We must stand for peace.
Sylvie Bérubé Bloc Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou, QC
Mr. Speaker, today marks the 25th national school support staff day. Every day, school support staff contribute to students' success, ensure a safe and healthy environment, support teachers, help with administration and maintain infrastructure.
There are over 80 different jobs, divided into four categories. First, there is administrative support, including administrative officers, school organization technicians, administration technicians and computer technicians. This includes everyone who takes care of logistics in our schools. Then there is building support, such as janitors, certified maintenance workers, pipefitters and electricians, everyone who makes sure schools are safe for our kids. There is also special education, which includes all the technicians who look after students with special needs. Finally, there are also child care services, their educators and their technicians.
Thank you to all these people, who show so much compassion every day and work to give all our kids a better future.
Marc Serré Liberal Nickel Belt, ON
Mr. Speaker, September 25 marks the anniversary of the first raising of the Franco-Ontarian flag. It was hoisted for the first time at the University of Sudbury in 1975. This flag is a symbol of our history, our culture and our pride.
As parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Official Languages, I would like to thank the many organizations that work to keep the francophone community thriving, including ACFO du grand Sudbury, the health centre, the Richelieu clubs, the Alliance des femmes de la francophonie canadienne, the friendship clubs and the Carrefour francophone de Sudbury.
Yesterday in Nickel Belt, we celebrated the construction of a new Catholic school in Val Thérèse, which will open in 2025. It will house students from École Ste-Thérèse, École Notre-Dame and École St-Joseph Hanmer. What a success story.
I invite all francophones and francophiles to celebrate our language and continue to proudly work on strengthening our legacy.
I also want to thank our anglophone and multilingual allies for their invaluable support.
I hope everyone has fun celebrating.
Kelly Block Conservative Carlton Trail—Eagle Creek, SK
Mr. Speaker, after nine years of the NDP-Liberal government, taxes are up, costs are up, crime is up and time is up. Yesterday, Canadians witnessed the hypocrisy of the Bloc and the NDP as they voted to continue propping up the Prime Minister and his devastating policies. They are content to sit on their hands, allowing the Liberal government to unleash more chaos and suffering on Canadians while they wait to get their pensions.
The NDP-Liberal coalition has doubled the cost of housing, made it easier for criminals to get back on the street and allowed the cost of living to skyrocket. No matter how bad it gets for Canadians, the NDP-Liberal coalition does not care. They know Canadians are fed up, but they are refusing to listen.
Conservatives will axe the tax, build the homes, fix the budget and stop the crime. We should let Canadians have their say and call a carbon tax election now.
Adam van Koeverden Liberal Milton, ON
Mr. Speaker, today is “sneak it in” day, so Participaction is here in Ottawa to remind us all to make room in our busy schedules to sneak in some movement. Movement is medicine. It is preventative medicine for our minds, our bodies and our communities, keeping us all happy, healthy, connected and strong. A little exercise every day is also great for our mood, productivity and focus. I am proud that our government has made physical activity a national priority, reducing health care costs and making Canada a healthier place to live, work, learn and play.
Sportsmanship in politics was one of the pillars of my campaign, and it is important to me to ensure that we can all work together in the House of Commons to make progress on common ambitions. I have organized cross-party runs and soccer games. Yesterday, all political parties came together to play cricket. When we play and do healthy activities together, it reminds us that what we have in common is bigger and more important than what we might disagree on.
I thank Participaction for reminding us all that moving Canadians forward will lead to better health and prosperity for all Canadians.
Randeep Sarai Liberal Surrey Centre, BC
Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I stand here today to share the loss of Tony Moore, veteran and president of Whalley Legion, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 229. Tony was a dedicated advocate for veterans and served as president for as long as I can remember. He was also instrumental in the building of Canada's most modern full-service veterans facility, the Whalley veterans village. Opened in 2023, this groundbreaking initiative was launched thanks to Tony's deep understanding of the support veterans truly needed. He advocated tirelessly for the community, ensuring they received the resources and care they deserved.
Above all, Tony was a great friend to me, someone who was always frank and forthright. I want to extend my deepest condolences to Tony's family and friends, as well as all members at the Whalley Legion. Tony will be greatly missed, but his legacy of service, compassion and advocacy will not be forgotten.
May he rest in peace.
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC
Mr. Speaker, after nine years of the NDP-Liberal government, taxes are up, corruption is up, crime is up and time is up. Canadians want an election to decide the country's direction and how their money is used. While Canadians line up at the food banks and deal with a worsening housing crisis, the Prime Minister decided to use their money to purchase a $9-million luxury condo for his personal friend. That came at a time when young Canadians are worried that they may never realize the dream of home ownership.
However, Canadians are not without hope. An election is coming soon. Canadians can then hold the government accountable for driving up costs while Liberal insiders benefit. Only a Conservative government will cut the carbon tax and end the abuse of tax dollars.
Fayçal El-Khoury Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC
Mr. Speaker, Lebanon is bleeding. The entire country is currently in an intensive care unit. The population of the country appeals to the international community to intervene, put an immediate end to the hostilities and save civilian and innocent lives. Every human being has the right to live in dignity, irrespective of their corner of the globe. Killing innocent civilians is unacceptable on both sides of the border. The hospitals in Lebanon are overstretched and lack the capacity to treat such a massive number of patients. As such, the Lebanese request that our government contribute to demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities and emphasize the need to keep the airport operational.
The Lebanese community is hoping that Canada will stand up and champion Canadian values on the global stage. Lebanese people do not want war. The government of Lebanon does not want war. We want to live in peace and security and to see peace spread and prevail in all the world.
Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary Forest Lawn, AB
Mr. Speaker, after nine years of this soft-on-crime coalition, costs are up, taxes are up, crime is up, extortion is up and time is up.
Extortion has skyrocketed by 357% across Canada. It is easy for criminals to commit crimes, get bail and go out and reoffend again because of the Liberal-NDP government's soft-on-crime policies. In Alberta, extortion is up by 409%. Recently, in Calgary, disturbing stories have emerged of armed criminals committing extortions and kidnappings against newcomers, children, families and businesses.
The leader of the NDP, the Prime Minister and both Liberal MPs from Alberta voted against a common-sense Conservative bill on extortion, Bill C-381, so they could keep the Liberal-NDP Prime Minister in power and protect the NDP leader's $2.2-million pension.
Common-sense Conservatives are the only party standing up and protecting victims; the Liberal-NDP government has become the party of protecting criminals.
Jeremy Patzer Conservative Cypress Hills—Grasslands, SK
Mr. Speaker, after nine years under the NDP-Liberal Prime Minister, taxes are up, costs are up, crime is up and time is up.
Taxes are up for everyone, and in Saskatchewan, our hospitals and schools will pay $380 million in carbon taxes alone. This is money that should be used to hire doctors, nurses, technicians, teachers and educational assistants. Instead it is being used to line the pockets of the Prime Minister's elitist friends, such as Mark Carney. In Saskatchewan, we have seen this act before. The last time there was a radical tax-and-spend Trudeau as prime minister, health care took a major hit in my province, with hospitals and clinics being forced to close or reduce services. Yes, time is up.
The NDP leader has once again sold out his support to the Prime Minister, just as he did the other 24 times that we voted to axe the tax. If NDP members truly supported health care and education, they would end their costly coalition and vote with us to call a carbon tax election, just as Canadians want. It is clear that only Conservatives are on Saskatchewan's side, and we will axe the tax for good.
Sameer Zuberi Liberal Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC
Mr. Speaker, this summer, I visited dozens of organizations that received Canada summer jobs funding. There were 223 youth in our community who gained meaningful jobs through this federal program. There were 64 organizations that received over $1 million in investments in our beautiful riding of Pierrefonds—Dollard. Young Canadians have gained valuable experience and skills through these jobs with the Canada summer jobs program, which are experiences they will utilize in their careers.
I had the pleasure of visiting some key organizations.
I visited day camps, such as Youth Stars and Camp Chaos.
I visited community pools like Briarwood, Fairview and Elm Park.
I visited the West Island Association for the Intellectually Handicapped, which supports adults with disabilities.
I visited food banks like On Rock and the West Island Assistance Fund, which help families in need.
I also visited places of worship and cultural centres, such as the Hindu Mandir.
These groups are dedicated to supporting youth and developing our community. I thank them so much for all that they do.
Laurel Collins NDP Victoria, BC
Mr. Speaker, on September 30, we mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Together, we honour the survivors of residential schools and mourn the thousands of children who never returned home.
We have a legal and moral obligation to address the ongoing harms to first nations, Inuit and Métis peoples; to acknowledge what happened in residential schools as genocide; and to facilitate a path for healing. The government must do more. One important step would be to pass the bill from the member for Winnipeg Centre, which would combat residential school denialism.
This year, in my riding, constituents will be participating in the annual Reconciliation Day Ride, hosted by Victoria Orange Shirt Day and Capital Bike. We will hear from incredible leaders in our community, such as Diane Sam from the Songhees Nation, as well as Eddy Charlie, a residential school survivor from Cowichan Tribes. We will then ride as a group to the South Island Powwow.
This year's grand entry will take place at noon and at 6 p.m. Everyone is invited to come celebrate indigenous cultures and resiliency. Hay'sxw'qa si'em.
Andréanne Larouche Bloc Shefford, QC
Mr. Speaker, in 2024, the Granby branch of the Association québécoise de défense des droits des personnes retraitées et préretraitées, or AQDR, is celebrating 40 years of fighting for the rights and dignity of seniors.
The theme of the anniversary celebration was “40 years of struggle and commitment: working together for the rights and dignity of seniors”. It was an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made while looking to the future with determination.
Since its inception, AQDR Granby has been defending and protecting the rights of seniors by fighting injustice and inequality with vigour and conviction. Let us celebrate the commitment and solidarity of its members and partners.
I want to point out that the AQDR has been a valuable ally when it comes to Bill C-319, which the Bloc Québécois introduced to put an end to the unacceptable inequity created by the government when it failed to provide seniors aged 75 and up and seniors aged 65 to 74 with equal OAS payments.
Together, let us put an end to this age discrimination. I wish AQDR Granby a happy 40th anniversary.
Tony Baldinelli Conservative Niagara Falls, ON
Mr. Speaker, after nine years of the costly NDP-Liberal coalition, taxes are up, costs are up, crime is up and time is up. Through the coalition, the NDP leader has sold out workers and residents in my community, which has resulted in taxes being higher, food costs ballooning, housing costs doubling and crime and chaos being unleashed in our once-safe streets.
Their joint plan to quadruple the carbon tax to 61¢ a litre would literally drive Canadians to food banks. However, sadly, the NDP leader has voted 24 times in support of this tax. What are the results? Just over one million people visited a food bank in Ontario in the past year, which is an increase of 25%. In my community, Project Share reports that one in eight residents has had to visit a food bank.
Canadians need a carbon tax election now to decide between the costly coalition of NDP-Liberals and common-sense Conservatives, who would axe the tax, build the homes, fix the budget and stop the crime.
Joyce Murray Liberal Vancouver Quadra, BC
Mr. Speaker, today, I rise on behalf of Vancouver Quadra constituents to defend carbon pricing. Canadians understand the urgency of reducing carbon emissions to limit their costly, or even lethal, impacts, such as wildfires and floods, on lands, people and property.
Twenty years ago, as B.C.'s environment minister, I laid the groundwork for B.C.'s comprehensive climate action plan, which fosters innovation, economic development and emission reductions through carbon pricing. Equally, Canada's national carbon pricing is a fair, efficient way to reduce emissions, and it works, just as British Columbia's does. What is more, under our pricing system, eight out of every 10 Canadians get more money back than they pay out.
Sadly, Conservative and now NDP leaders reject carbon pricing. I say shame on them for working to make carbon pollution free again. We must price it to reduce it.
The Speaker Liberal Greg Fergus
Colleagues, I indicated in my ruling earlier today that I would offer the leader of the official opposition the opportunity to make amends regarding the words he used last week. Unless he did so, I would remove questions from him during question period today. Having not received such a commitment on his part, and the member having not withdrawn his comments, the Chair will remove three questions from the leader of the official opposition in the opening round today.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, who could be against the following motion?
That, given that, after nine years, the government has doubled housing costs, taxed food, punished work, unleashed crime, and is the most centralizing government in Canadian history, the House has lost confidence in the government and offers Canadians the option to axe the tax, build the homes, fix the budget and stop the crime.
Jean-Yves Duclos LiberalMinister of Public Services and Procurement
Mr. Speaker, the Conservative leader has a big problem. He claims to be among the world's leading economists on monetary policy, when he has not even read the beginning of the first chapter of an Economics 101 textbook on monetary policy. If he had, he would know that, when it comes to preventing inflation and helping the central bank reduce interest rates, one of the fundamental rules of monetary economics is to avoid attacking the independence and competence of the Bank of Canada.
When will he apologize for being the most incompetent expert and politician we know when it comes to monetary economics?